Author: ZanaIt

The difference between French Roast and Italian Roast coffee seems pretty straightforward – the beans were grown or roasted in the respective countries, right? Not necessarily. Of course, the beans could have been grown or roasted in either one of the two countries, but that wouldn’t have brought about such a difference in their tastes. The difference is due to their methods of preparation i.e. the comparative roast level.

They’re known as either French Roast or Italian Roast because the people of that country developed an acquired taste for that type of coffee. For me, the stronger is the coffee, the better it is. So, I’m leaning more towards Italian Roast coffee. However, French Roast coffee is admittedly more common. Let’s see some of the differences between barista coffee and espresso style.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to your taste in coffee.

Basic Differences:

The principal difference between the two, other than taste, is that Italian roast is darker and oilier than French roast coffee. This is because coffee beans are subjected to higher temperatures for a longer period during the making of an Italian than a French roast. The extended period of roasting causes the Italian roast to have a more bitter or burnt taste and lesser caffeine quantity.

French Roast:

A characteristic feature of French roasting is the cracking sound produced by the coffee beans as they are subjected to high temperatures. The first crack heard is a sign that your coffee is just about ready and the second crack indicates that it’s finally ready. Following the second crack, there is a change in the appearance of the coffee beans.

The beans become dark brown, and the oils in the coffee create a lustrous appearance. With a French Roast, the temperature of the roast is already high enough that these oils are brought to the surface and impart a roasted flavor to the produced coffee or espresso. While the color may be darker than traditional coffee, it isn’t the darkest. This coffee is mostly preferred by people who want a cup of coffee that gives a taste somewhere between bitter and sweet.

Italian Roast:

Italian roast is darker and oilier than French roast coffee. The darker roast attributes to the more bitter or burnt taste of the coffee. Simultaneously, the caffeine content decreases more during Italian roast than it would have during French roast.

Strength:

The strength of the coffee can depend on either its caffeine content or the color of the coffee. The methods of roasting the coffee beans in French roast and Italian roast differ due to the changes in temperature. An Italian roast produces roasted coffee at higher temperatures than French roasted coffee. This results in a more pronounced flavor of the roast as opposed to the flavor of the bean. The color also darkens; hence an Italian roast produces darker coffee than a French roast coffee.

Alternatively, the caffeine content can also tell us about the strength of the coffee. Higher temperatures tend to decrease the caffeine content. Thus, French roast produces coffee that has higher caffeine content than Italian roasted coffee.

Conclusion:

To claim that one type is better than the other would be unjust without actually having an international survey and every person in the world voting on the two types of coffee. Practically, that is impossible. So, I’ll just leave it on the person who is trying it and let them pick the coffee that suits his t

For a lot of people, visiting the US is at the top of their bucket list and why wouldn’t it be? The United States is a beautifully diverse country. There’s so much to see, so much to indulge in and so much to experience. Tourists in the US are taken aback by the unlimited choices presented to them.

You can go to a casino in Las Vegas or to a beach in Florida. Visit Mount Rushmore or the Grand Canyon. There might even possibly be an area that resembles Cinque Terre. I, being an Italian American, have been so fond of the attractions for tourists in the US that I decided to buy my separate residence there despite having one in Italy, for visiting during vacations and enjoying my time here in the US.

Your choices are unlimited! However, there is one aspect that limits your choices. By limited, I mean restricted to four service providers. Hence, the choice for tourists is not only limited but also confusing and expensive. We’re all well aware of America’s vast sources of essentially everything in the world. However, they lack in certain aspects seem when it comes to SIM companies. With incompatible technologies between providers, locked phones, and post-paid plans the norm for locals, tourists have been poorly catered for.

This obviously has a lot to do with US citizens not feeling the need for a service provider. However, what about a tourist? Service providers in other countries particularly in Asia such as Vodaphone or Wind are so incredibly spread out that nearly everyone has a SIM card. The fewer number of service providers to choose from also means that you have to be more precise about what you want since each one of them caters to a specific audience. This article is your guide to everything you need to know about these service providers and choose the one best suited for you in Italy.

T-Mobile:

Admittedly, the competition was between four SIM cards, but T-mobile is genuinely the best for tourists. You’ve probably heard of T-mobile already if it’s your second time visiting the US or even if it’s your second day in the US. T-Mobile has less coverage in rural areas (map), with particularly large gaps in Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Montana, New Mexico and eastern California. On the upside, when you do have signal, data speeds will often be reasonably fast.

T-mobile t the ‘Tourist Plan’ with unlimited international and domestic texting and 1,000 minutes of domestic talk, but does not include international talk. The Tourist Plan works best for international tourists traveling to the United States who only need wireless service for 3 weeks or less. Its expiration date is 3 days, and you will have to renew it after that.

T-Mobile charges $40 for 3GB of data, $50/5 GB or $60/10Gb. If you’re planning on staying for longer than three weeks then T-mobile also has a Simply Prepaid monthly plan, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data (with up to 4GB of 4G LTE data) starting at just $45 per month per line.

AT&T:

AT&T has the largest (and often, most congested) network, offering coverage throughout most of the continental United States. So, consider AT&T if you’re spending time in more remote areas. However, considering the vastness of the country, there are a few lightly populated areas where you won’t get signals.

It is noteworthy that T-Mobile does not offer any prepaid data-only plan in-store. AT&T does — but only for tablets. AT&T is also comparatively more costly than T-mobile providing 2GB of internet data at $45 a month.

If you are over 50 and are looking for an adventure, you can travel abroad. You have worked hard all your life, so you deserve to enjoy yourself now that you are retired.

Italy is an amazing place full of beautiful sites, restaurants, museums, and other places you can check out. You can try out local dishes, mingle with the locals, and immerse yourself in their culture.

Before you leave, however, see to it that you are well prepared. Here’s some useful advice that you can use:

Pack lightly.

Some people tend to bring more things than they actually need. This causes them to experience baggage issues while traveling. Aside from having to pay extra for their luggage, they also have a hard time carrying all their bags.

If you do not want to experience any hassle while traveling, make sure to only bring clothes and items you know you will wear and use. Just take the basics with you.

If you happen to need anything else, you can always get it when you reach your destination. There are plenty of great stores in Italy.

Buy your tickets in advance.

This applies to your plane ticket and tour bus ticket. If you wait until the last minute, you may end up paying more.

You will also get stressed out from the hassles involved in last minute bookings. So, do yourself a favor and buy your tickets early. This would save you more time and energy.

Choose a hotel near public transportation systems.

Tourists like you usually do not know their travel destination very well. If it is your first time to visit Italy, you should book a hotel that is near a public transportation system and a landmark. This way, you will avoid getting lost and not waste time trying to figure out where to go. These hotels are also usually near restaurants, bars, spas, and other places that you may enjoy.

Get seniors travel insurance it is that simple. A lot of people disregard the importance of travel insurance. They do not realize that traveling abroad can be risky, especially if you do not know anybody there.

Travel insurance can protect you and ensure that your trip goes hassle-free. Since you are over 50, an insurance policy like this can be especially beneficial. Senior citizens who go out of the country tend to be more prone to medical emergencies and other issues.

If you suddenly get sick, had an injury, or needed hospitalization, your travel insurance will help you with the costs.

Likewise, if you lost your luggage during your flight, your travel insurance will reimburse you for your losses, damages, and delays. It will also give you cash allowance in case your important documents and valuables get stolen.

In the event of an emergency evacuation due to political unrest, medical emergency, or natural calamity, your travel insurance will also keep you covered.

You do not have to worry about being inconvenienced by a disrupted trip either. Your travel insurance covers unforeseen expenses caused by disruptions.

So, if you want to have a nice and hassle-free trip to Italy, make sure that you follow the advice given above.

Do not worry or stress out too much about the things that can go wrong during your travel. Remember that with the right travel insurance, you can stay secure and protected.

While daytime US TV shows are not quite as popular as they were before, Italians still seem to enjoy a diverse selection of American made shows, ranging from soaps to investigations to superheroes, among others.

The Bold and the Beautiful

Set against the backdrop of modern day Los Angeles, this drama revolves around the exploits of the influential Forrester family, and their company was known as Forrester Creations, as they are pitted against rival families and businesses in a classic soap opera setting.

The characters are a fine examination of the duplicity of human nature, and the situations they find themselves in are illogical at times. But that’s soap opera for you, and in this particular case, it makes for a pretty alluring mix.

NCIS

Led by Naval Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a quirky blend of individuals solves crimes ranging from terrorism to spying to murder that is somehow tied to the Marine Corp or the Navy.

The casting seems to have been made for the show, and the writing complements their talents perfectly. No wonder the show has maintained its ratings even after a recently concluded 13th season!

The Flash

Chronicling the adventures of DC Comics hero Barry Allen aka The Flash, the show tells the story of a man who lost his parents to a cruel turn of fate at the age of 11. He has since become a crime scene investigator who is fueled by a desire to uncover the truth behind his mother’s demise (for which his father was wrongly convicted).

In his quest for the truth, he has become obsessed with both urban legend and scientific developments. After getting struck by lightning due to a failed consequence of his most recent obsession going wrong (a revolutionary particle accelerator), Barry wakes up from a nine-month comma to discover he has super-speed.

Calling himself The Flash, Barry devotes his life to the protection of the innocent who have become vulnerable to others who gained superpowers but are using them for evil ends. In spite of this, he continues to attempt to solve the mystery from his childhood.

In spite of its classic comic book premise, The Flash manages to engage its viewers (not just hardcore comic book fans) through its fleshed out characters and compelling storyline. In fact, it does a much better job of keeping its audience engaged than the movies DC has been recently shipping out.

For millennia, the land that is called Italy now has been an incubator of culture, art and civilization. While the country has modernized during the last few centuries, it still has a wealth of places that are of great historic and cultural significance. Here are some places in Italy that you must explore when you’ve got a chance.

Rome

As the country’s capital and also the heart of the Ancient Roman Empire, Rome is the first stop you should make in Italy. The majestic Colosseum is perhaps the best place to start in this city; it was the famous arena where gladiators fought to their deaths to entertain the public and the Emperor.

Next, you should visit St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City – this is the epicenter of Roman Catholicism, the Papal seat. The Piazza di Spagna also merits exploration, providing you a delightful view of the city’s center. A nighttime walks at Piazza Navona, which has some of the most exquisite fountains of the city, crafted by talented artists and in great shape even today.

Conclude your Roman adventure by visiting the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple which has doubled up as a tomb for influential Italians in recent years. The location is filled with tourists, and has an energetic, buzzing vibe to it throughout the day (and for much of the night).

Venice

Built in a pool of water, with canals instead of roads and boats instead of cars, Venice is one of a unique cities in the world. It is steeped in art, history, and romance, the city is famous for its Carnaval, its San Marco square, its multitude of bridges and Palazzos, and its quaint gondolas.

As opposed to popular belief, the best time to visit this city is during the spring or when the Carnaval is on. Visiting it in winter may be a turn-off, since the cold can cause dense fog to develop, which saps some of the charms out of the city.

Cinque Terre

The literal translation of this place is ‘The Five Lands’: it is a collective of five villages sitting atop a stretch of cliffs along the Italian Riviera. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The only one situated on the cliff’s side is Corniglia, while the most picturesque one is Vernazza, thanks to its brightly painted houses. The coast line, along with Cinque Terre, has been made World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The villages are connected by a scenic hiking route called the Sentiero Azzuro or ‘Light Blue Trail’. The part of the trail which links Riomaggiore to Manarola is known as the Via Deli’Amore or ‘Love Walk’. You’ll find the Corniglia – Manarola route to be the least taxing, even though it finishes after a 368-step climb.

Florence

This city became a center of art, architecture, culture and intellectualism during the Renaissance era. Start by visiting the Piazza Della Signoria, a centuries-old market square which provides the finest specimens of Florentine construction e.g. the Palazzo Vecchio, a political nexus during the days of the Florentine Republic. On the other hand, the Piazza del Duomo is worth visiting due to its religious importance during the same era.

The Uffizi Gallery, situated inside the Palazzo Degli Uffizi, holds some of the most famous artistic achievements of the likes of Raphael, Leonardo, Titian, Caravaggio and Giotto. Other places worth visiting include Santa Maria del Fiore’s Basilica and the Giotto’s Bell Tower present adjacent to it.

Amalfi Coast and Capri

The Amalfi Coast is a fine place to relax amidst greenery, culture, and a stunning coastline. The oldest villas in this place were constructed during Roman times, but over the centuries, the Coast has adopted influences from several different cultures. It rose to prominence during the 10th through 13th centuries, as the Marine Republic that ruled Italy. Be sure to visit Positano, Ravello and the Amalfi Cathedral whilst you are there.

Europe has long carried a reputation of sophistication and refinement when it comes to lifestyle and culture, and one of its finest specimens is Italy.

While many of us think of the hardboiled Cosa Nostra whenever we hear its name, for hundreds of years, the country has also been a nexus for style, fashion, and elegance. Florence, Milan, and Tuscany have been big names ever since the Renaissance period, and today, are regarded as hubs for fashion and luxury. While nowhere is this more evident than in the clothing industry, Italy has made a name for itself in the bedroom décor and accessories niche as well, especially in the mattresses department.

Here are some reasons why these mattresses are a big deal:

Italians give a lot of importance to home décor

One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of Italian made bedding is the importance home décor enjoys in the Italian lifestyle. Italians seek a kind of casual and familiar perfection in everything they put in their homes, from furniture to electronics to cars to mattresses.

The rustic look which has become so popular in bedrooms these days has its roots in Tuscan home décor traditions. Their mattresses, being an essential part of this décor, also inherit the same familiar look and feel, making them compelling commodities around the globe, especially in a market where consumers are starting to become weary of generic products that provide little more than functional comfort.

A focus on quality and innovation, combined with decades of experience

Another area in which Italian made mattresses outshine the competition is quality and innovation. Leading manufacturers based in the country, for instance, Magniflex, have been around for decades. They have amassed experience in plenty and are constantly researching ways to make their mattresses better than they are at present. They focus on creating a graceful, lavish and thoroughly high-end product which combines Tuscan beauty with modern day comfort.

Italy is the fashion capital of the world

Of course, being the global capital in fabrics gives the country a distinct edge when it comes to mattresses: manufacturers are able to create covers from the highest quality cloth, and transform them into highly appealing finishes for their mattresses, thanks to the fashion gurus so abundantly available in Italy. Again, given the rather bland designs featured in most of their competitors, Italian mattresses automatically command a distinct appeal.

The quality of mattresses from Italy is such that holidaymakers returning from the Tuscan countryside have been compelled to single them out in their praise, even when they stayed at one of the cheaper hotels! Many have expressed a desire to purchase an Italian-made mattress for themselves, something that would’ve set them back quite a bit in terms of cash 10-15 years ago.

Today, the internet has made things much easier: Italian mattress manufacturers are readily able to sell their merchandise to a global clientele. Ultimately, the immaculate and lavish nature of their products is well deserving of the praise they receive.